Workload is a critical factor influencing employees' recovery experiences, which in turn impact well-being and job satisfaction. This study examines the relationships between quantitative workload and four key recovery experiences: psychological detachment, mastery experiences, relaxation, and control over leisure time. Additionally, the moderating roles of cultural dispositions, including individualism-collectivism, power distance orientation, and masculinity-femininity, were explored. A cross-sectional design was employed, with data collected via an online survey. Participants (N = 152) were recruited using convenience sampling through social media platforms such as LinkedIn and Facebook. The study spanned six weeks, with three rounds of recruitment.

The hypotheses proposed that high quantitative workload would be negatively associated with psychological detachment (H1a), mastery experiences (H1b), relaxation (H1c), and control (H1d). The results largely supported these hypotheses, with quantitative workload significantly predicting lower psychological detachment, relaxation, and control. However, no significant relationship was found between workload and mastery experiences. The study further hypothesized that cultural dispositions would moderate these relationships. Contrary to expectations, power distance orientation and masculinity-femininity did not significantly moderate any associations. However, individualism-collectivism moderated the relationship between workload and mastery experiences (H4b), indicating that individuals with collectivist orientations experienced a stronger negative effect of workload on mastery compared to those with individualist orientations. These findings contribute to the literature on workload and recovery by highlighting the influence of cultural dispositions. The results suggest that organizations should consider employees’ cultural backgrounds when designing workplace interventions aimed at improving recovery experiences. Future research should further investigate the mechanisms through which cultural values shape recovery processes in diverse work environments.